Aerial view of a Detroit west side neighborhood

A panning view of a Detroit neighborhood near W. Grand Blvd and Buchanan shows a mix of empty lots, viable and abandoned housing. Nearly all the empty lots were once packed with occupied homes.

[Motoguzzi]

These streets were once full of homes and families that worked, paid taxes and spent money in the local economy.
They were replaced by those seduced by the promise of free stuff.

[johnszurek]

I've seen these images and wonder why it isn't more overgrown. The lawns still look like they've been mowed.
Still it's sad to see so much desolation.

[vmj]

That neighborhood looks remarkably clean, except for that one demolished house at the beginning of the video.

[karenmbbaxter]

The homes that R mantained with people living in them should be allowed to stay but the rest Detroit should look at turning into natural parkland. Look at the glass half full than half empty and this could have some great bike paths in it.

[markjohnston]

Detroit is one of few rust-belt cities with a similar landscape. Milwaukee, WI is the other example. Really is amazing how these places "de-populate" over time. I often wonder if the weather and its geographical location contributed or added to its decline (Detroit has or had other issues that led to its destructive decline - racism and deindustrialization are among the top two reasons/causes).